In Cumbria, as of January 2013, 2,168 pupils across the age group received a free school meal.

Under the new rules this will jump to around 15,000, said the authority.

With not all schools having the necessary facilities or equipment to implement the policy, the council's Cabinet is also being asked to approve a programme of works that will ensure all schools are able to meet the new requirements.

The council has been allocated a total of £1.15m in capital funding from government this year to fund the project, which has included upgrading kitchens and increasing dining capacity where required.

Government is also providing additional revenue funding, based on a flat rate of £2.30 per meal, to schools to cover the additional cost of providing the universal free school meal.

Coun Anne Burns, cabinet member for children’s services, said: “Providing a free hot school meal has been shown to have a real positive impact on schools in terms of pupils’ concentration, behaviour and attainment and I welcome the roll-out of this new scheme in Cumbria.

“Government set us a very challenging task to implement the necessary changes to facilities and equipment in time. It’s testament to the hard work of schools and council officers that we are now in a position that we can be confident the vast majority of schools will be ready and able to provide hot meals come September."

Comments

Whinfell
5:46pm Mon 2 Jun 14

I work in a Primary School and see daily how much food goes to waste every day.
Bear in mind the School meets all the healthy meal criteria.
At least 25% is returned to the slops bin and that is on a good day!
Less was wasted in the good old days of pie and chips and stodgy puddings.

This daft scheme will cost Tax Payers £1billion.
Yes! You heard right first time!

Given the choice the majority of children choose packed lunches from home whereby they can discuss what they want with their parents.Hardly any food is then wasted.

A Pilot Study supposedly put forward the arguement that children learn better after a good meal.
Anyone who has ever worked in a Primary School will testify that children are 'done for' after lunch.
After a meal and an hour of running around the learning curve drops off.
That is why children are engaged in less onerous lessons after Lunch such as Art and Craft,geography.Musi
c and Assembly.
The League Table orientated lessons are taught before Lunch.They would teach Science Lessons then but the timetable is full because of Literacy and Numeracy.

I can name chapter and verse Children who have achieved Level 5 results yet ate packed lunches all their lives.

Another fallacy: A healthy school meal will lead to healthy,less obese children.
Really?

Bearing mind the majority of the food they consume will be eaten at home,
one school meal for 39 weeks of the year will make no difference.

At least 90% of parents can already afford to feed their children at lunchtime.

Why waste £1billion on such a daft scheme in a time of austerity.

I work in a Primary School and see daily how much food goes to waste every day.
Bear in mind the School meets all the healthy meal criteria.
At least 25% is returned to the slops bin and that is on a good day!
Less was wasted in the good old days of pie and chips and stodgy puddings.
This daft scheme will cost Tax Payers £1billion.
Yes! You heard right first time!
Given the choice the majority of children choose packed lunches from home whereby they can discuss what they want with their parents.Hardly any food is then wasted.
A Pilot Study supposedly put forward the arguement that children learn better after a good meal.
Anyone who has ever worked in a Primary School will testify that children are 'done for' after lunch.
After a meal and an hour of running around the learning curve drops off.
That is why children are engaged in less onerous lessons after Lunch such as Art and Craft,geography.Musi
c and Assembly.
The League Table orientated lessons are taught before Lunch.They would teach Science Lessons then but the timetable is full because of Literacy and Numeracy.
I can name chapter and verse Children who have achieved Level 5 results yet ate packed lunches all their lives.
Another fallacy: A healthy school meal will lead to healthy,less obese children.
Really?
Bearing mind the majority of the food they consume will be eaten at home,
one school meal for 39 weeks of the year will make no difference.
At least 90% of parents can already afford to feed their children at lunchtime.
Why waste £1billion on such a daft scheme in a time of austerity.Whinfell

I work in a Primary School and see daily how much food goes to waste every day.
Bear in mind the School meets all the healthy meal criteria.
At least 25% is returned to the slops bin and that is on a good day!
Less was wasted in the good old days of pie and chips and stodgy puddings.

This daft scheme will cost Tax Payers £1billion.
Yes! You heard right first time!

Given the choice the majority of children choose packed lunches from home whereby they can discuss what they want with their parents.Hardly any food is then wasted.

A Pilot Study supposedly put forward the arguement that children learn better after a good meal.
Anyone who has ever worked in a Primary School will testify that children are 'done for' after lunch.
After a meal and an hour of running around the learning curve drops off.
That is why children are engaged in less onerous lessons after Lunch such as Art and Craft,geography.Musi
c and Assembly.
The League Table orientated lessons are taught before Lunch.They would teach Science Lessons then but the timetable is full because of Literacy and Numeracy.

I can name chapter and verse Children who have achieved Level 5 results yet ate packed lunches all their lives.

Another fallacy: A healthy school meal will lead to healthy,less obese children.
Really?

Bearing mind the majority of the food they consume will be eaten at home,
one school meal for 39 weeks of the year will make no difference.

At least 90% of parents can already afford to feed their children at lunchtime.

Why waste £1billion on such a daft scheme in a time of austerity.

Score: 8

Whinfell
3:29am Tue 3 Jun 14

Another worrying point:

The £1billion does not take into account extra costs such as-
1] Building or extending kitchens in schools.
2 ]Providing new or more kitchen facilities like cookers,fridges etc.
3] Paying for extra plates,cutlrey,cups etc.
4] Funding extra Lunchtime Supervisors.Presentl
y all children can fit into the school dining area.
It takes so much longer to serve school dinners compared with the 'packed lunch' children,many of the latter will be forced to eat in their classrooms.
This requires more intensive supervision,hence more Lunchtime Supervisors.
5] Extra cleaning costs.
The classrooms will be dirtier because children have eaten in the classroom.[have you seen the mess groups of children create when eating en masse?]

Many Headteachers have complained that the extra hidden costs will have to be taken from the Teaching Budget!
Happy with your hard earned taxes being wasted like this?

Finally because of the extra time it will take to serve the free lunches it will severely affect the timetable in some cases.
Lunchtimes will have to be staggered and extended from some time after 11 a.m and 1.30 p.m.

Having worked in Primary Schools for years I can see that the whole scheme is a complete waste of money and in some cases impractical.

Another case of Politicians introducing unwanted poilicies when they haven't got a clue what the implications will be.

And who do we thank for this 'air -head' policy?

Step forward the Lib Dems!

Another worrying point:
The £1billion does not take into account extra costs such as-
1] Building or extending kitchens in schools.
2 ]Providing new or more kitchen facilities like cookers,fridges etc.
3] Paying for extra plates,cutlrey,cups etc.
4] Funding extra Lunchtime Supervisors.Presentl
y all children can fit into the school dining area.
It takes so much longer to serve school dinners compared with the 'packed lunch' children,many of the latter will be forced to eat in their classrooms.
This requires more intensive supervision,hence more Lunchtime Supervisors.
5] Extra cleaning costs.
The classrooms will be dirtier because children have eaten in the classroom.[have you seen the mess groups of children create when eating en masse?]
Many Headteachers have complained that the extra hidden costs will have to be taken from the Teaching Budget!
Happy with your hard earned taxes being wasted like this?
Finally because of the extra time it will take to serve the free lunches it will severely affect the timetable in some cases.
Lunchtimes will have to be staggered and extended from some time after 11 a.m and 1.30 p.m.
Having worked in Primary Schools for years I can see that the whole scheme is a complete waste of money and in some cases impractical.
Another case of Politicians introducing unwanted poilicies when they haven't got a clue what the implications will be.
And who do we thank for this 'air -head' policy?
Step forward the Lib Dems!Whinfell

Another worrying point:

The £1billion does not take into account extra costs such as-
1] Building or extending kitchens in schools.
2 ]Providing new or more kitchen facilities like cookers,fridges etc.
3] Paying for extra plates,cutlrey,cups etc.
4] Funding extra Lunchtime Supervisors.Presentl
y all children can fit into the school dining area.
It takes so much longer to serve school dinners compared with the 'packed lunch' children,many of the latter will be forced to eat in their classrooms.
This requires more intensive supervision,hence more Lunchtime Supervisors.
5] Extra cleaning costs.
The classrooms will be dirtier because children have eaten in the classroom.[have you seen the mess groups of children create when eating en masse?]

Many Headteachers have complained that the extra hidden costs will have to be taken from the Teaching Budget!
Happy with your hard earned taxes being wasted like this?

Finally because of the extra time it will take to serve the free lunches it will severely affect the timetable in some cases.
Lunchtimes will have to be staggered and extended from some time after 11 a.m and 1.30 p.m.

Having worked in Primary Schools for years I can see that the whole scheme is a complete waste of money and in some cases impractical.

Another case of Politicians introducing unwanted poilicies when they haven't got a clue what the implications will be.

And who do we thank for this 'air -head' policy?

Step forward the Lib Dems!

Score: 11

Ken.Moor
10:18am Tue 3 Jun 14

Totally agree, in a time of austerity the absolute last thing we should be thinking about is making sure that all school-going children in the UK are getting at least one decent meal 5 days a week!

Totally agree, in a time of austerity the absolute last thing we should be thinking about is making sure that all school-going children in the UK are getting at least one decent meal 5 days a week!Ken.Moor

Totally agree, in a time of austerity the absolute last thing we should be thinking about is making sure that all school-going children in the UK are getting at least one decent meal 5 days a week!

Score: 6

Whinfell
1:13pm Tue 3 Jun 14

If it was a decent meal!
The allocated cost for ingredients per meal is 65p!
Try cooking a decent meal with that paltry amount.
Like I say I work in a School where they already provide model healthy 'decent' meals.
At least 25% goes straight back to the slops bin.
This doesn't include the salads which are offered separately when they collect their food.
You can't give the salad away for love nor money!

You mention'one decent meal 5 days a week'.
They are only there for 39 weeks!
What about the 13 weeks they are not even in school?
A perfect system was already in place for the poor.It was called the Free School meal scheme available to those families below certain income levels.

This was Nick Clegg's bright idea.
Even his Lib Dem members are questioning his ability and judgement.
No wonder!

If it was a decent meal!
The allocated cost for ingredients per meal is 65p!
Try cooking a decent meal with that paltry amount.
Like I say I work in a School where they already provide model healthy 'decent' meals.
At least 25% goes straight back to the slops bin.
This doesn't include the salads which are offered separately when they collect their food.
You can't give the salad away for love nor money!
You mention'one decent meal 5 days a week'.
They are only there for 39 weeks!
What about the 13 weeks they are not even in school?
A perfect system was already in place for the poor.It was called the Free School meal scheme available to those families below certain income levels.
This was Nick Clegg's bright idea.
Even his Lib Dem members are questioning his ability and judgement.
No wonder!Whinfell

If it was a decent meal!
The allocated cost for ingredients per meal is 65p!
Try cooking a decent meal with that paltry amount.
Like I say I work in a School where they already provide model healthy 'decent' meals.
At least 25% goes straight back to the slops bin.
This doesn't include the salads which are offered separately when they collect their food.
You can't give the salad away for love nor money!

You mention'one decent meal 5 days a week'.
They are only there for 39 weeks!
What about the 13 weeks they are not even in school?
A perfect system was already in place for the poor.It was called the Free School meal scheme available to those families below certain income levels.

This was Nick Clegg's bright idea.
Even his Lib Dem members are questioning his ability and judgement.
No wonder!

Score: 8

Ken.Moor
4:11pm Tue 3 Jun 14

As a parent, the free school meals are helping a great deal even though you see it as "only" 39 weeks.

My child, has had the choice, and has chosen school dinners. Knowing other children and parents who go to the same school, your statement earlier about just how many children want packed lunches, I find dubious.

If 25% is truly going in the bin then surely the choices in the kitchen as to how much to make of what needs reviewing next to the (not at all that bad) 75% of which that IS getting eaten.

Your argument seems to revolve around money though, and I'm just not sure in the grand scheme of things that our government waste money on that this is particularly high priority or even that bad.

Certainly there is something to be said for how ready the schools are and the support they are getting for that, the school my children go to made it quite clear to us that they were struggling with the new numbers coming through.

As a parent, the free school meals are helping a great deal even though you see it as "only" 39 weeks.
My child, has had the choice, and has chosen school dinners. Knowing other children and parents who go to the same school, your statement earlier about just how many children want packed lunches, I find dubious.
If 25% is truly going in the bin then surely the choices in the kitchen as to how much to make of what needs reviewing next to the (not at all that bad) 75% of which that IS getting eaten.
Your argument seems to revolve around money though, and I'm just not sure in the grand scheme of things that our government waste money on that this is particularly high priority or even that bad.
Certainly there is something to be said for how ready the schools are and the support they are getting for that, the school my children go to made it quite clear to us that they were struggling with the new numbers coming through.Ken.Moor

As a parent, the free school meals are helping a great deal even though you see it as "only" 39 weeks.

My child, has had the choice, and has chosen school dinners. Knowing other children and parents who go to the same school, your statement earlier about just how many children want packed lunches, I find dubious.

If 25% is truly going in the bin then surely the choices in the kitchen as to how much to make of what needs reviewing next to the (not at all that bad) 75% of which that IS getting eaten.

Your argument seems to revolve around money though, and I'm just not sure in the grand scheme of things that our government waste money on that this is particularly high priority or even that bad.

Certainly there is something to be said for how ready the schools are and the support they are getting for that, the school my children go to made it quite clear to us that they were struggling with the new numbers coming through.

Score: -2

Whinfell
5:01pm Tue 3 Jun 14

You are basing your 'knowledge' on the take up of school dinners on the even more dubious method of 'knowing other children and parents who go to the same school'
Not very scientific!

I base my knowledge on working in a Primary School for over 15 years and working on the slops bin!

Yes indeed the majority do elect for packed lunches.This is in a school of 400 children so it gives you a good indication of an average.

The figure of 25% waste is based on the evidence I see every day,thrown away.
You should see it on a bad day when it is for example pasta covered in some sort of 'healthy' tomato based sauce.
You know what happens to pasta when it is put on a cold plastic plate.Queue up for your cutlrey and drink then find a seat and hey presto! its cold and congealed by the time you sit down.

The trouble is unless you are a Lunchtime Supervisor or Cook and a parent,the parents haven't got a clue just how dire school meals are.
They would be disappointed if they saw what their children were being served in return for their hard earned money.
From September it will be the hard pressed tax payer who will have a right to feel let down.

As for providing food the children actually do enjoy the schools are hamstrung by the nanny state which insists on 'healthy' meals.
The children prefer the unhealthy option,pies,battered fish,sausages,chips,
sponge pudding,custard etc.

Seriously, the children used to love those sorts of meals and less was wasted.

You are basing your 'knowledge' on the take up of school dinners on the even more dubious method of 'knowing other children and parents who go to the same school'
Not very scientific!
I base my knowledge on working in a Primary School for over 15 years and working on the slops bin!
Yes indeed the majority do elect for packed lunches.This is in a school of 400 children so it gives you a good indication of an average.
The figure of 25% waste is based on the evidence I see every day,thrown away.
You should see it on a bad day when it is for example pasta covered in some sort of 'healthy' tomato based sauce.
You know what happens to pasta when it is put on a cold plastic plate.Queue up for your cutlrey and drink then find a seat and hey presto! its cold and congealed by the time you sit down.
The trouble is unless you are a Lunchtime Supervisor or Cook and a parent,the parents haven't got a clue just how dire school meals are.
They would be disappointed if they saw what their children were being served in return for their hard earned money.
From September it will be the hard pressed tax payer who will have a right to feel let down.
As for providing food the children actually do enjoy the schools are hamstrung by the nanny state which insists on 'healthy' meals.
The children prefer the unhealthy option,pies,battered fish,sausages,chips,
sponge pudding,custard etc.
Seriously, the children used to love those sorts of meals and less was wasted.Whinfell

You are basing your 'knowledge' on the take up of school dinners on the even more dubious method of 'knowing other children and parents who go to the same school'
Not very scientific!

I base my knowledge on working in a Primary School for over 15 years and working on the slops bin!

Yes indeed the majority do elect for packed lunches.This is in a school of 400 children so it gives you a good indication of an average.

The figure of 25% waste is based on the evidence I see every day,thrown away.
You should see it on a bad day when it is for example pasta covered in some sort of 'healthy' tomato based sauce.
You know what happens to pasta when it is put on a cold plastic plate.Queue up for your cutlrey and drink then find a seat and hey presto! its cold and congealed by the time you sit down.

The trouble is unless you are a Lunchtime Supervisor or Cook and a parent,the parents haven't got a clue just how dire school meals are.
They would be disappointed if they saw what their children were being served in return for their hard earned money.
From September it will be the hard pressed tax payer who will have a right to feel let down.

As for providing food the children actually do enjoy the schools are hamstrung by the nanny state which insists on 'healthy' meals.
The children prefer the unhealthy option,pies,battered fish,sausages,chips,
sponge pudding,custard etc.

Seriously, the children used to love those sorts of meals and less was wasted.

Score: 4

PropMeUpWithTeabags
5:19pm Tue 3 Jun 14

My son will just miss this and he has just swapped to school dinners. He absolutely lives them and looks at the menu every morning so he remembers what he is having (I book them 2 weeks in advance)
At my school I see plenty of wastage when kids don't eat things in their lunch boxes. I think it's a great idea. If schools haven't got kitchens or facilities then that's hard luck they will have to find the money. Most can find plenty of money for pointless iPads no one uses and "charity" mufti days so why can't they find the money to give kids a nutritious meal once a day. For some it may be the only good meal they get and I'm not necessarily talking about parents already on free school meals I'm talking about the mums who think it's okay to cook fish fingers every night.

My son will just miss this and he has just swapped to school dinners. He absolutely lives them and looks at the menu every morning so he remembers what he is having (I book them 2 weeks in advance)
At my school I see plenty of wastage when kids don't eat things in their lunch boxes. I think it's a great idea. If schools haven't got kitchens or facilities then that's hard luck they will have to find the money. Most can find plenty of money for pointless iPads no one uses and "charity" mufti days so why can't they find the money to give kids a nutritious meal once a day. For some it may be the only good meal they get and I'm not necessarily talking about parents already on free school meals I'm talking about the mums who think it's okay to cook fish fingers every night.PropMeUpWithTeabags

My son will just miss this and he has just swapped to school dinners. He absolutely lives them and looks at the menu every morning so he remembers what he is having (I book them 2 weeks in advance)
At my school I see plenty of wastage when kids don't eat things in their lunch boxes. I think it's a great idea. If schools haven't got kitchens or facilities then that's hard luck they will have to find the money. Most can find plenty of money for pointless iPads no one uses and "charity" mufti days so why can't they find the money to give kids a nutritious meal once a day. For some it may be the only good meal they get and I'm not necessarily talking about parents already on free school meals I'm talking about the mums who think it's okay to cook fish fingers every night.

Score: 2

Whinfell
8:50pm Tue 3 Jun 14

No they just don't find the money to build the kitchens,they simply look to the taxpayer who are going to have to fund this daft scheme.
Remember:the £1billion 'back of a fag packet' figure assumed there would be no additional capital costs like building kitchen,extending them and furnishing them with industrial size ovens,cookers,freeze
rs,fridges and cooking equipment.
Not too sure if you work or not.
If you do look how much you pay in tax and VAT ponder this-You will be subsidising free school meals for Doctors,Lawyers,Prof
fessors,Bankers and every other person who can afford to pay for the meal in the first place.
The present Free School Meal system has worked well since I was a child.
Why squander money on this idiotic waste of our taxpayer's money?

No they just don't find the money to build the kitchens,they simply look to the taxpayer who are going to have to fund this daft scheme.
Remember:the £1billion 'back of a fag packet' figure assumed there would be no additional capital costs like building kitchen,extending them and furnishing them with industrial size ovens,cookers,freeze
rs,fridges and cooking equipment.
Not too sure if you work or not.
If you do look how much you pay in tax and VAT ponder this-You will be subsidising free school meals for Doctors,Lawyers,Prof
fessors,Bankers and every other person who can afford to pay for the meal in the first place.
The present Free School Meal system has worked well since I was a child.
Why squander money on this idiotic waste of our taxpayer's money?Whinfell

No they just don't find the money to build the kitchens,they simply look to the taxpayer who are going to have to fund this daft scheme.
Remember:the £1billion 'back of a fag packet' figure assumed there would be no additional capital costs like building kitchen,extending them and furnishing them with industrial size ovens,cookers,freeze
rs,fridges and cooking equipment.
Not too sure if you work or not.
If you do look how much you pay in tax and VAT ponder this-You will be subsidising free school meals for Doctors,Lawyers,Prof
fessors,Bankers and every other person who can afford to pay for the meal in the first place.
The present Free School Meal system has worked well since I was a child.
Why squander money on this idiotic waste of our taxpayer's money?

Score: 7

PeterRogerson
9:46am Wed 4 Jun 14

Whinfell wrote…

You are basing your 'knowledge' on the take up of school dinners on the even more dubious method of 'knowing other children and parents who go to the same school'
Not very scientific!

I base my knowledge on working in a Primary School for over 15 years and working on the slops bin!

Yes indeed the majority do elect for packed lunches.This is in a school of 400 children so it gives you a good indication of an average.

The figure of 25% waste is based on the evidence I see every day,thrown away.
You should see it on a bad day when it is for example pasta covered in some sort of 'healthy' tomato based sauce.
You know what happens to pasta when it is put on a cold plastic plate.Queue up for your cutlrey and drink then find a seat and hey presto! its cold and congealed by the time you sit down.

The trouble is unless you are a Lunchtime Supervisor or Cook and a parent,the parents haven't got a clue just how dire school meals are.
They would be disappointed if they saw what their children were being served in return for their hard earned money.
From September it will be the hard pressed tax payer who will have a right to feel let down.

As for providing food the children actually do enjoy the schools are hamstrung by the nanny state which insists on 'healthy' meals.
The children prefer the unhealthy option,pies,battered fish,sausages,chips,

sponge pudding,custard etc.

Seriously, the children used to love those sorts of meals and less was wasted.

Great idea, lets give the children lots of crap at lunchtime that they want, because that's a great idea

[quote][p][bold]Whinfell[/bold] wrote:
You are basing your 'knowledge' on the take up of school dinners on the even more dubious method of 'knowing other children and parents who go to the same school'
Not very scientific!
I base my knowledge on working in a Primary School for over 15 years and working on the slops bin!
Yes indeed the majority do elect for packed lunches.This is in a school of 400 children so it gives you a good indication of an average.
The figure of 25% waste is based on the evidence I see every day,thrown away.
You should see it on a bad day when it is for example pasta covered in some sort of 'healthy' tomato based sauce.
You know what happens to pasta when it is put on a cold plastic plate.Queue up for your cutlrey and drink then find a seat and hey presto! its cold and congealed by the time you sit down.
The trouble is unless you are a Lunchtime Supervisor or Cook and a parent,the parents haven't got a clue just how dire school meals are.
They would be disappointed if they saw what their children were being served in return for their hard earned money.
From September it will be the hard pressed tax payer who will have a right to feel let down.
As for providing food the children actually do enjoy the schools are hamstrung by the nanny state which insists on 'healthy' meals.
The children prefer the unhealthy option,pies,battered fish,sausages,chips,
sponge pudding,custard etc.
Seriously, the children used to love those sorts of meals and less was wasted.[/p][/quote]Great idea, lets give the children lots of crap at lunchtime that they want, because that's a great ideaPeterRogerson

Whinfell wrote…

You are basing your 'knowledge' on the take up of school dinners on the even more dubious method of 'knowing other children and parents who go to the same school'
Not very scientific!

I base my knowledge on working in a Primary School for over 15 years and working on the slops bin!

Yes indeed the majority do elect for packed lunches.This is in a school of 400 children so it gives you a good indication of an average.

The figure of 25% waste is based on the evidence I see every day,thrown away.
You should see it on a bad day when it is for example pasta covered in some sort of 'healthy' tomato based sauce.
You know what happens to pasta when it is put on a cold plastic plate.Queue up for your cutlrey and drink then find a seat and hey presto! its cold and congealed by the time you sit down.

The trouble is unless you are a Lunchtime Supervisor or Cook and a parent,the parents haven't got a clue just how dire school meals are.
They would be disappointed if they saw what their children were being served in return for their hard earned money.
From September it will be the hard pressed tax payer who will have a right to feel let down.

As for providing food the children actually do enjoy the schools are hamstrung by the nanny state which insists on 'healthy' meals.
The children prefer the unhealthy option,pies,battered fish,sausages,chips,

sponge pudding,custard etc.

Seriously, the children used to love those sorts of meals and less was wasted.

Great idea, lets give the children lots of crap at lunchtime that they want, because that's a great idea

Score: -5

JBean2
10:06am Wed 4 Jun 14

We could learn a thing or two from France, where children are served balanced, tasty meals all the time as part of their education. With little choice, children should be encouraged to try everything and not given puddings unless they have tried the main course. It's sad when schools don't want to support this as part of a good education and would rather pass the buck to the parents. If money is invested in facilities, they are there for the future and for the benefit of all the children and possibly the wider community too. Smaller schools can share facilities too.

We could learn a thing or two from France, where children are served balanced, tasty meals all the time as part of their education. With little choice, children should be encouraged to try everything and not given puddings unless they have tried the main course. It's sad when schools don't want to support this as part of a good education and would rather pass the buck to the parents. If money is invested in facilities, they are there for the future and for the benefit of all the children and possibly the wider community too. Smaller schools can share facilities too.JBean2

We could learn a thing or two from France, where children are served balanced, tasty meals all the time as part of their education. With little choice, children should be encouraged to try everything and not given puddings unless they have tried the main course. It's sad when schools don't want to support this as part of a good education and would rather pass the buck to the parents. If money is invested in facilities, they are there for the future and for the benefit of all the children and possibly the wider community too. Smaller schools can share facilities too.

Score: 1

Whinfell
12:36pm Wed 4 Jun 14

Do you know how France fund this system?

Do you know how France fund this system?Whinfell

Do you know how France fund this system?

Score: 0

PeterRogerson
1:38pm Wed 4 Jun 14

Most decent schools have excellent food available to all its pupils and staff. It is a pity that people don't see food as important in a childrens day at school. There is no reason why locally sourced, well balanced reasonably cost effective food cannot be found at all schools, just takes a little bit of care, time and dedication from staff.

Most decent schools have excellent food available to all its pupils and staff. It is a pity that people don't see food as important in a childrens day at school. There is no reason why locally sourced, well balanced reasonably cost effective food cannot be found at all schools, just takes a little bit of care, time and dedication from staff.PeterRogerson

Most decent schools have excellent food available to all its pupils and staff. It is a pity that people don't see food as important in a childrens day at school. There is no reason why locally sourced, well balanced reasonably cost effective food cannot be found at all schools, just takes a little bit of care, time and dedication from staff.

Score: 1

Whinfell
2:03pm Wed 4 Jun 14

At 67p per meal for the ingredients you would struggle to provide a decent meal of any type;good or bad.
At the school where I work they meet all the healthy food criteria and have received official recognition for the quality of the food.
Trouble is kids are so fussy these days they would sooner the school ordered the lunches from Macdonalds and KFC-there would be less thrown away;that's for sure.

At 67p per meal for the ingredients you would struggle to provide a decent meal of any type;good or bad.
At the school where I work they meet all the healthy food criteria and have received official recognition for the quality of the food.
Trouble is kids are so fussy these days they would sooner the school ordered the lunches from Macdonalds and KFC-there would be less thrown away;that's for sure.Whinfell

At 67p per meal for the ingredients you would struggle to provide a decent meal of any type;good or bad.
At the school where I work they meet all the healthy food criteria and have received official recognition for the quality of the food.
Trouble is kids are so fussy these days they would sooner the school ordered the lunches from Macdonalds and KFC-there would be less thrown away;that's for sure.

Score: -1

hogheaven
2:20pm Wed 4 Jun 14

Whinfell wrote…

At 67p per meal for the ingredients you would struggle to provide a decent meal of any type;good or bad.
At the school where I work they meet all the healthy food criteria and have received official recognition for the quality of the food.
Trouble is kids are so fussy these days they would sooner the school ordered the lunches from Macdonalds and KFC-there would be less thrown away;that's for sure.

I think you are fighting a lost cause Whinfell, the kids only want the same food they eat at home.KFC Burger king, fish and chips etc.Educate the parents and teach them to cook (remember domestic at school?) proper food,maybe then the kids will eat school dinners.But Cleggie is just trying to make a name a name for himself,what else does or can he do?under Camerons apron.

[quote][p][bold]Whinfell[/bold] wrote:
At 67p per meal for the ingredients you would struggle to provide a decent meal of any type;good or bad.
At the school where I work they meet all the healthy food criteria and have received official recognition for the quality of the food.
Trouble is kids are so fussy these days they would sooner the school ordered the lunches from Macdonalds and KFC-there would be less thrown away;that's for sure.[/p][/quote]I think you are fighting a lost cause Whinfell, the kids only want the same food they eat at home.KFC Burger king, fish and chips etc.Educate the parents and teach them to cook (remember domestic at school?) proper food,maybe then the kids will eat school dinners.But Cleggie is just trying to make a name a name for himself,what else does or can he do?under Camerons apron.hogheaven

Whinfell wrote…

At 67p per meal for the ingredients you would struggle to provide a decent meal of any type;good or bad.
At the school where I work they meet all the healthy food criteria and have received official recognition for the quality of the food.
Trouble is kids are so fussy these days they would sooner the school ordered the lunches from Macdonalds and KFC-there would be less thrown away;that's for sure.

I think you are fighting a lost cause Whinfell, the kids only want the same food they eat at home.KFC Burger king, fish and chips etc.Educate the parents and teach them to cook (remember domestic at school?) proper food,maybe then the kids will eat school dinners.But Cleggie is just trying to make a name a name for himself,what else does or can he do?under Camerons apron.

Score: -1

PeterRogerson
3:19pm Wed 4 Jun 14

hogheaven wrote…

Whinfell wrote…

At 67p per meal for the ingredients you would struggle to provide a decent meal of any type;good or bad.
At the school where I work they meet all the healthy food criteria and have received official recognition for the quality of the food.
Trouble is kids are so fussy these days they would sooner the school ordered the lunches from Macdonalds and KFC-there would be less thrown away;that's for sure.

I think you are fighting a lost cause Whinfell, the kids only want the same food they eat at home.KFC Burger king, fish and chips etc.Educate the parents and teach them to cook (remember domestic at school?) proper food,maybe then the kids will eat school dinners.But Cleggie is just trying to make a name a name for himself,what else does or can he do?under Camerons apron.

Hog heaven is correct, a lot of this is about education, and teaching the parents and the children what a balanced diet is, and the benefits of such a diet. I'm certain a lot of children want KFC etc, which should be seen as a treat and not an everyday occurrence.
It is no surprise that the obesity rates in the UK are climbing, when we are failing to educate our children on the importance of a balanced diet and an active lifestyle.

[quote][p][bold]hogheaven[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Whinfell[/bold] wrote:
At 67p per meal for the ingredients you would struggle to provide a decent meal of any type;good or bad.
At the school where I work they meet all the healthy food criteria and have received official recognition for the quality of the food.
Trouble is kids are so fussy these days they would sooner the school ordered the lunches from Macdonalds and KFC-there would be less thrown away;that's for sure.[/p][/quote]I think you are fighting a lost cause Whinfell, the kids only want the same food they eat at home.KFC Burger king, fish and chips etc.Educate the parents and teach them to cook (remember domestic at school?) proper food,maybe then the kids will eat school dinners.But Cleggie is just trying to make a name a name for himself,what else does or can he do?under Camerons apron.[/p][/quote]Hog heaven is correct, a lot of this is about education, and teaching the parents and the children what a balanced diet is, and the benefits of such a diet. I'm certain a lot of children want KFC etc, which should be seen as a treat and not an everyday occurrence.
It is no surprise that the obesity rates in the UK are climbing, when we are failing to educate our children on the importance of a balanced diet and an active lifestyle.PeterRogerson

hogheaven wrote…

Whinfell wrote…

At 67p per meal for the ingredients you would struggle to provide a decent meal of any type;good or bad.
At the school where I work they meet all the healthy food criteria and have received official recognition for the quality of the food.
Trouble is kids are so fussy these days they would sooner the school ordered the lunches from Macdonalds and KFC-there would be less thrown away;that's for sure.

I think you are fighting a lost cause Whinfell, the kids only want the same food they eat at home.KFC Burger king, fish and chips etc.Educate the parents and teach them to cook (remember domestic at school?) proper food,maybe then the kids will eat school dinners.But Cleggie is just trying to make a name a name for himself,what else does or can he do?under Camerons apron.

Hog heaven is correct, a lot of this is about education, and teaching the parents and the children what a balanced diet is, and the benefits of such a diet. I'm certain a lot of children want KFC etc, which should be seen as a treat and not an everyday occurrence.
It is no surprise that the obesity rates in the UK are climbing, when we are failing to educate our children on the importance of a balanced diet and an active lifestyle.

Score: 0

Whinfell
5:53pm Wed 4 Jun 14

I agree Clegg is trying to make a name for himself,but if this is the best way the LIb Dems think we should blow £1billion of OUR money then its a bit desparate.

Makes you laugh when you remember about how the Government has been cutting thousands of jobs and saving money: then they suddenly decide to waste a billion subsidising meals which 90% of parents could afford to pay for in the first place!

I think the term they use is 'collective stupidity'

I agree Clegg is trying to make a name for himself,but if this is the best way the LIb Dems think we should blow £1billion of OUR money then its a bit desparate.
Makes you laugh when you remember about how the Government has been cutting thousands of jobs and saving money: then they suddenly decide to waste a billion subsidising meals which 90% of parents could afford to pay for in the first place!
I think the term they use is 'collective stupidity'Whinfell

I agree Clegg is trying to make a name for himself,but if this is the best way the LIb Dems think we should blow £1billion of OUR money then its a bit desparate.

Makes you laugh when you remember about how the Government has been cutting thousands of jobs and saving money: then they suddenly decide to waste a billion subsidising meals which 90% of parents could afford to pay for in the first place!

I think the term they use is 'collective stupidity'

Score: 3

Ken.Moor
12:11am Thu 5 Jun 14

Interesting comments, certainly some... food for thought.
Will be interesting to see how it is all going a year from now. As a parent who doesn't buy any fast food whatsoever, perhaps that is why my child has opted for the school meals, tired of my (delicious) cooked from scratch meals.
Probably too afraid I will just stick half a garden in their packed lunch!

Interesting comments, certainly some... food for thought.
Will be interesting to see how it is all going a year from now. As a parent who doesn't buy any fast food whatsoever, perhaps that is why my child has opted for the school meals, tired of my (delicious) cooked from scratch meals.
Probably too afraid I will just stick half a garden in their packed lunch!Ken.Moor

Interesting comments, certainly some... food for thought.
Will be interesting to see how it is all going a year from now. As a parent who doesn't buy any fast food whatsoever, perhaps that is why my child has opted for the school meals, tired of my (delicious) cooked from scratch meals.
Probably too afraid I will just stick half a garden in their packed lunch!

Score: 2

redhairedgranny
12:35pm Fri 6 Jun 14

School meals should be provided, especially to those children whose parents are on a low income. However, they should stop all the choices and serve up one nutritious and delicious main and pudding every day. Children have far too many choices in life as it is and they are too young to make the best choice. It is up to us as adults to ensure our children have healthy meals but sadly, too many parents will dish up nuggets and chip type meals rather than the meat (or vegitarian equivalent) and two veg meals that they need to grow up healthy and the right weight for their height. If school meals are free then at least these children are getting one nutritious meal a day. As for the waste Whinfell talks about, if there was less choice, there would be less waste and if 25% percent of food is being thrown away every day then, speaking as a cook, the cook needs to look at her/his portion sizes and quantities made.

School meals should be provided, especially to those children whose parents are on a low income. However, they should stop all the choices and serve up one nutritious and delicious main and pudding every day. Children have far too many choices in life as it is and they are too young to make the best choice. It is up to us as adults to ensure our children have healthy meals but sadly, too many parents will dish up nuggets and chip type meals rather than the meat (or vegitarian equivalent) and two veg meals that they need to grow up healthy and the right weight for their height. If school meals are free then at least these children are getting one nutritious meal a day. As for the waste Whinfell talks about, if there was less choice, there would be less waste and if 25% percent of food is being thrown away every day then, speaking as a cook, the cook needs to look at her/his portion sizes and quantities made.redhairedgranny

School meals should be provided, especially to those children whose parents are on a low income. However, they should stop all the choices and serve up one nutritious and delicious main and pudding every day. Children have far too many choices in life as it is and they are too young to make the best choice. It is up to us as adults to ensure our children have healthy meals but sadly, too many parents will dish up nuggets and chip type meals rather than the meat (or vegitarian equivalent) and two veg meals that they need to grow up healthy and the right weight for their height. If school meals are free then at least these children are getting one nutritious meal a day. As for the waste Whinfell talks about, if there was less choice, there would be less waste and if 25% percent of food is being thrown away every day then, speaking as a cook, the cook needs to look at her/his portion sizes and quantities made.

Score: 5

Little Lee
5:45pm Sun 8 Jun 14

Whinfell wrote…

I agree Clegg is trying to make a name for himself,but if this is the best way the LIb Dems think we should blow £1billion of OUR money then its a bit desparate.

Makes you laugh when you remember about how the Government has been cutting thousands of jobs and saving money: then they suddenly decide to waste a billion subsidising meals which 90% of parents could afford to pay for in the first place!

I think the term they use is 'collective stupidity'

Typical of the attention-seeking Lib Dems, Cleggy and Timmy to name just two. When will they ever learn?...Never!

[quote][p][bold]Whinfell[/bold] wrote:
I agree Clegg is trying to make a name for himself,but if this is the best way the LIb Dems think we should blow £1billion of OUR money then its a bit desparate.
Makes you laugh when you remember about how the Government has been cutting thousands of jobs and saving money: then they suddenly decide to waste a billion subsidising meals which 90% of parents could afford to pay for in the first place!
I think the term they use is 'collective stupidity'[/p][/quote]Typical of the attention-seeking Lib Dems, Cleggy and Timmy to name just two. When will they ever learn?...Never!Little Lee

Whinfell wrote…

I agree Clegg is trying to make a name for himself,but if this is the best way the LIb Dems think we should blow £1billion of OUR money then its a bit desparate.

Makes you laugh when you remember about how the Government has been cutting thousands of jobs and saving money: then they suddenly decide to waste a billion subsidising meals which 90% of parents could afford to pay for in the first place!

I think the term they use is 'collective stupidity'

Typical of the attention-seeking Lib Dems, Cleggy and Timmy to name just two. When will they ever learn?...Never!

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